Homebrew Aarakocra: Tarius Species Details

Tarius
Secretary BirdThe Tarius are known to be skilled runners with very capable ground movement, and capable fighters able to exploit enemies when they are knocked down. They are skittish and quick to run, but typically it is towards the direction of danger not away. Tarius are eager to put a plan to action, usually as there is never a plan to begin with, getting frustrated when a situation isn’t dealt with immediately. They are quiet and speak in short bursts and are surprisingly quite pleasant to engage with when they have nothing important on their minds, which are often racing with thoughts.

The Tarius are known to be skilled runners with very capable ground movement, and capable fighters able to exploit enemies when they are knocked down. They are skittish and quick to run, but typically it is towards the direction of danger not away. Tarius are eager to put a plan to action, usually as there is never a plan to begin with, getting frustrated when a situation isn’t dealt with immediately. They are quiet and speak in short bursts and are surprisingly quite pleasant to engage with when they have nothing important on their minds, which are often racing with thoughts.

Appearance ​Tarius have stunning facial features, with distinct quill-like black feathers protruding from behind their heads and striking featherless red faces. Their bodies, however have mute grey feathers and a strong border to black plumage on their wingtips and exceptionally long legs, which tend to give the Tarius more height over their other Aarakocra cousins.

Size​ Tarius reach up to about 5 feet high, with most of it made up by their legs, your size is Medium.

Ability Score Increase​ Your Constitution score increases by 1.

Talons​ You are proficient with your unarmed strikes using your hands or feet, which deal 1d4 slashing damage on a hit.

Ground Rake. ​If a creature is prone on the ground, you can move across, over its space and use a reaction to make a talon attack on it using your feet.

Bounding ​Your legs are built for speed, your base movement speed is increased to 35ft.

Aarakocra: Tarius Traits

As an aarakocra, you have certain traits in common with your people. Being able to fly at high speed starting at 1st level is exceptionally effective in certain circumstances and exceedingly dangerous in others. As a result, playing an aarakocra requires special consideration by your DM.

Ground Rake

​If a creature is prone on the ground, you can move across, over its space and use a reaction to make a talon attack on it using your feet.

Bounding

​Your legs are built for speed, your base movement speed is increased to 35ft.

Ability Score Increase

Your Dexterity score increases by 2, and your Intelligence score increases by 1.

Age

Aarakocra reach maturity by age 3. Compared to humans, aarakocra don’t usually live longer than 30 years.

Alignment

Most aarakocra are good and rarely choose sides when it comes to law and chaos. Tribal leaders and warriors might be lawful, while explorers and adventurers might tend toward chaotic.

Size

Aarakocra Orvids are about 3 feet tall. They have thin, lightweight bodies that weigh between 80 and 100 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Flight

You have a flying speed of 50 feet. To use this speed, you can’t be wearing medium or heavy armor.

Talons

Your talons are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them, you deal slashing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage normal for an unarmed strike.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common, Aarakocra, and Auran.